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(FM11) A most excellent adventure (or a very bogus journey!)

Evening all (apologies for the thread title....no prizes for guessing what I've been watching! Can't beat a little nostalgia)

Well, I'm feeling pretty annoyed at myself for ruining my last save. Drinking heavily while playing the game was a disaster waiting to happen, so I'm thankful it was only three seasons worth of game play. Anyway, enough of that, and on to a new challenge.

In all my time playing CM/FM, my greatest achievement came on CM 99/00 where I took Berwick Rangers to the UEFA Cup Final, and I'm yet to match anything like that since playing the new series of the game. I'm now searching for that kind of epic challenge, but as I've got plenty of experience playing in Scotland, I'm instead going to look at Wales (the lower reputation of the league makes it a really inviting challenge, too). I'm also going to make a slight change in how I play the game as I'm going to limit myself to signing just British and Irish players, where I'd normally do most of my shopping in France.

So then, the challenge is simple: take the lowest rep team in Wales and lead them to domestic dominance, before turning my attention to Europe. With only British & Irish players available to me, this should be a decent challenge. I've read some good threads based in Wales, so there's plenty of inspiration out there!

The club was founded in 1899 and was variously known as Haverfordwest FC, Haverfordwest Town, and Haverfordwest Athletic before adopting the current name, and plays at the Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest, which accommodates 2,000 spectators. The teams' first choice strip is blue shirts, shorts, and socks. The second choice strip is orange & black shirts, black shorts, orange socks.

Haverfordwest County were founder members of the League of Wales in 1992–93 but their stay was brief. Having accepted an offer which involved the redevelopment of their Bridge Meadow ground, and unable to find a suitable alternative ground of League of Wales standard, they resigned from the League in 1994. The decision to take a long-term view was fully vindicated by their return to the League of Wales three years later. The league has since changed its name to the Welsh Premier League.

Honours

The club have never won any real trophies of note, their best ever finish in the Welsh Premier League was third in 2003/04. A year later they made the semi final of the Welsh Cup.

From FM

Haverfordwest have fierce rivalries with Carmarthen and Aberystwyth, and additional rivalries with Port Talbot and Llanelli. The club has a valuation of £130,000 and 50 season ticket holders.

Upon arriving at the club, the first issue to address was some very ordinary players earning some very extraordinary wages. Any player who I thought could be replaced for less was transfer listed, with Matty__B's friend Lee Jarman at the front of the queue. Luckily, bids came in for 4 of these players, with one being released from his non-contract terms and a further player reacting furiously and demanding a move (allowing me to offer him a mutual termination for nothing.) This generated a little breathing room, and allowed me to dip my toes into the transfer market.

As I've not really played in Wales before, I wasn't sure of any players who'd be happy to move to Pembrokeshire, so I was quite pleasantly surprised with a few who were available. There might be a couple of familiar names in this list:

Now as I don't really know the Welsh league, I have no idea what to expect. I do think my new first 11 looks stronger than the one when I arrived, but I think if I get hit by 2 or three injuries I'm going to struggle. Still, the board expect safety, and I'm pretty confident that there will be at least one team worse than me in the league! My ambitious target is to qualify for the Championship group, which means getting in to the top 6, but if I finish 7th I'll be relatively happy.

I've also noticed there are two cups to play for, so there's definitely a chance of silverware even if I'm mediocre in the league. Of course, if I'm to have any success at all I need a strong partnership at the back, so a lot will depend on the form of these two, who will start as my main defensive pairing:

My experience in lower league football has taught me to mix one strong, powerful centre half who is good in the air, with a quicker, maybe a little slighter partner. I'm hoping that this two will work out, although both only have a positioning stat of 9 which is a concern. Still, we'll see how they go.

Right, that'll be me done as far as transfers are concerned unless I can get a couple more players off the books. On to the friendlies we go...

WPL Bangor City 0-3 Haverfordwest
A dream start saw us 2-0 in front after 5 minutes. James Ashmore and Martin Reilly hammered in the first 2, and a late strike from Tim Hopkinson set up a perfect start.

WPL Haverfordwest 1-0 Neath
Just the one Hopkinson goal, but so many knocks picked up in this game. Thankfully, the worst is just a 2 week lay off for Laurence Gaughan.

WPL Aberystwyth 2-1 Haverfordwest
A really poor display against a rival, which was frustrating. Alan Lynch gave us hope after falling 2 behind, but in truth we never looked like grabbing the leveller. Lynch also picked up a knock, which means there are just two fit strikers at the club. It would seem that there are A LOT of injuries in this league, picked up at least 2 a game so far.

WPL Haverfordwest 3-1 Llanelli
A much stronger performance this time, with goals from Martin Reilly, Tim Hopkinson and Vinny Perth.

WPL Bala 1-3 Haverfordwest
Another win, largely thanks to Hopkinson. He scored the first and made the other 2, winning a penalty which Perth smashed in, and a flick on for Ashmore to secure the points.

WPL Haverfordwest 2-0 Airbus
Another home win, and again Hopkinson was class. He scored the goal to seal the points, drilling home from 20 yards after Reilly had opened the scoring in the first half. We did pick up a serious injury for Vinny Perth though, which leaves a bit of a hole in midfield for 2 months.

WPL TNS 1-0 Haverfordwest
Just not quite good enough on the day. A game decided by a horrible defensive mix up, but more worrying is the FOUR MONTH injury to vice captain David Cowan. That'll hurt the team, of that there's no doubt.

Loosemores League Cup Haverfordwest 2-0 Aberystwyth
Two 25 yard screamers from Gareth Mullan won this game for us.

WPL Haverfordwest 4-1 Carmarthen
Another home win, this time against our other fierce rivals. Martin Reilly scored really early on before their keeper turned a Laurence Gaughan header into his own net. Substitute Alan Lynch looked to have secured things before they pulled a goal back after a Gaughan error, only for the Irishman to power in his first goal for the club from a corner.

WPL Prestatyn 0-4 Haverfordwest
Biggest win of my tenure, although the injury problems continue. Both right backs now injured, although Collins' injury is only a month. Martin Reilly and an Alan Lynch hat-trick secured the points.

WPL Haverfordwest 1-1 Port Talbot
Didn't really perform here, and had Laurence Gaughan to thank for rescuing a point. Yet another injury though, with Gareth Mullan out for 6 weeks.

Welsh Cup Haverfordwest 4-0 Gresford Athletic
A good, solid win, with Tim Hopkinson ending his relative drought. Laurence Gaughan and a Martin Reilly brace provided the other goals. Would have hoped for a few quid for the game, mind!

WPL Haverfordwest 3-0 Bangor City
Two goals from the goal machine Alan Lynch, and a towering header from young centre half Chris Sivers gave us another win.

Loosemores League Cup Semi Final 2nd leg Haverfordwest 3-1 Bala (Haverfordwest win 5-1 on aggregate)
Yet another stunning Alan Lynch hat-trick was enough to take us through to the final. Happy days.

WPL Neath 1-6 Haverfordwest
Well, this season keeps getting better! This time it was Tim Hopkinson who was the hat-trick hero, although Lynch was involved too. Reilly scored one from the bench, and Vinny Perth grabbed a penalty on his return from injury. Even better as we had to come from behind.

WPL Haverfordwest 3-0 Aberystwyth
Another win against our rivals with a brace from Reilly, again from the bench. Add an OG, and it was pretty much perfect.

WPL Llanelli 0-1 Haverfordwest
Thought this was going to one of those days, especially after we missed TWO penalties. Luckily, James Ashmore had different ideas, and he drilled home the winner from 30 yards in the 85th minute.

WPL Haverfordwest 1-0 Bala
A dour game, but Laurence Gaughan's header was the decisive moment. James Ashmore will be spending four weeks out though after picking up a knock in the final moments.

I think it's fair to say I've made a decent start to life in Wales. With 15 wins in the first 18 league games, I'm beginning to believe that I could yet go all the way and secure the title in my debut season. Not only that, but I also have a cup final to look forward to at the end of the season, so I've got a real chance of securing two of the three trophies, and I've not given up on the other yet, either!

There are a few shortages in the squad, but as the club is in a little debt it wouldn't be the responsible thing to ask the board for more cash. I'm under budget by about £250 a week, but if I can get a couple of others off the wage bill it'd certainly help the club out going forward. I'll therefore just accept my squad as it is unless I find an absolute gem in the window, and instead look to add that necessary depth in the summer. What I won't be doing however is allowing other clubs to pick off my best players, despite interest in several first teamers. Hopefully I can find a decent parent club too, which might just help the financial side a little.

I'm intrigued to see if the crowds pick up as the season goes on too, although I already have the largest in the league (average of 325).

WPL Aberystwyth 4-1 Haverfordwest
I know we can't win them all, but this was a shattering result. Just didn't turn up and got hammered as a result. Lynch with our consolation.

WPL Haverfordwest 3-1 Port Talbot
A good recovery after the last defeat. Goals from Lynch, Reilly and Gaughan put us 10 points clear at the top of the table, and 19 points clear of 4th place and the last Euro spot.

WPL Haverfordwest 2-0 Llanelli
A MASSIVE result against our closest challengers, with Lynch and Mullan on the score sheet.

WPL TNS 2-2 Haverfordwest
A really tough game that I probably should have lost, but the result was still a sickener. Trailing 1-0 in the 89th minute, Alan Lynch popped up with 2 more goals to make me think we'd got an undeserved 3 points. However, TNS scored SIX minutes into added on time to grab a point.

Welsh Cup Q/F Haverfordwest 4-0 Airbus
We ran riot in this game, leading 3-0 at half time. Alan Lynch grabbed the first early on, and Gareth Mullan drilled home a second. Right on half time, Tim Hopkinson tapped in for a great team goal, and just after the break he powered in a header to see us into the semis.

WPL Haverfordwest 2-0 Bangor
Alan Lynch and James Ashmore with the goals this time. Getting closer, although this game was the end of Lynch's season. He picked up a knock which will see him out for three months.

WPL Haverfordwest 1-0 Abeystwyth
A disappointing performance, but a James Ashmore goal gave us the win.

WPL Llanelli 1-0 Haverfordwest
A dreadful performance which illustrated that my squad is a little too thin. Two or three players missing and we're simply not good enough, so I'm hoping to bring in three or four to plug those gaps in the Summer.

Welsh Cup Semi Final Haverfordwest 1-2 TNS
Absolutely gutted. Once again we just didn't turn up, and despite Martin Reilly equalising 10 minutes from time, we conceded again in the 89th minute, and the treble dream was over.

WPL Haverfordwest 4-1 TNS
A chance for some revenge, and that's exactly how it worked out. Despite falling behind early on, Shane Sweeney and Matty Collins turned things around with their first goals for the club, before Tim Hopkinson grabbed a third on the break. A delicious Reilly chip in stoppage time was the icing on the cake, although we've now lost Ashmore for the remainder of the season, which is a blow ahead of the League Cup Final. However, on the injury front:

A great game in prospect, against one of our biggest rivals. The only major missing player for us is James Ashmore, which means we're looking pretty strong going in to this game. I'm going to change my normal 4-3-1-2 system and go for a straight 4-3-3 and have a right good go at them. Top scorer Alan Lynch will come back into the side for a midfielder, and I aim to absolutely dominate from the get-go.

First half

A real end-to-end game from the first whistle, but the game exploded into life in the 17th minute as Martin Reilly raced on to a through ball to slot the ball into the corner. Seven minutes later, Reilly was celebrating his second, powering home a header from a Hopkinson right-wing cross. However, six minutes later it was 2-1, a bullet header from Terry Smith got them right back into the match, only for Alan Lynch to cap his return to the side with a goal a minute later.

Half time: Haverfordwest 3-1 Carmarthen

Second half

A much quieter second half, the only incident of note came in the 86th minute as a Danny Murphy free kick was spilled by the Carmarthen keeper, right at the feet of Martin Reilly who slotted in for his hat-trick.

A thoroughly entertaining first season in Wales, and I must confess to being really quite happy with how it has gone. With no real past experience in this part of the world, I had no idea what to expect, so to finish the season with 2 trophies is brilliant. I'm really pleased with a lot of my signings, although the slight dip in form towards the end of the year was a bit of a disappointment. Still, with three or four new players next year, I'd like to hope I can continue the success, especially if I can find a fourth striker to help out the three from this year. The form of Alan Lynch was a particular surprise, especially as he only looked like an emergency signing at the time.

Concerns

The only slight concern I have is a financial one, and I finish the season in a little debt. However, with European football to follow next season, I'm sure that'll be a short term problem.

Ambitions

To try and retain the league is the main one, and to just enjoy Europe, no matter how short the journey. I don't expect the same kind of cup form, as winning doubles year on year isn't especially likely, at least not with such a small squad.

I know Rangers have had to cut back their spending, but this is ridiculous! I'd only just signed this kid to a new contract when I noticed Rangers' interest. He was my top scorer for my youth team scoring 20 goals, so there's certainly some promise there, but it's just a massive shock! Still, can't blame the chairman for accepting the offer...

So as expected, I've had a fairly quiet transfer window for players coming in to the club, although quite a few have left. I was initially concerned that I might face a cut in my budget as I was about £40,000 in debt, but the generosity of Rangers (which I still can't quite get my head around, it's almost as if the game went temporarily insane....) has meant that I have a nice little sum in the bank, and I can offer some pay rises to my main men. I was looking to bring in 4 players before the European games began and had identified the targets I wanted before the end of last season. Inevitably I couldn't get all of them, and was beaten to Marc Bridge-Wilkinson by Accrington Stanley, but I did manage to acquire the other three. They were:

Howe will come straight into the side as my new target man, and I'm hoping he'll grab a few more goals than Hopkinson. However, he crucially provides me with a fourth striking option, something which was blatantly missing towards the end of last season.

At just 18, Rooney was recommended by my new Assistant Manager. He is certainly better than many of last year's midfielders, and might just be the obvious replacement for the now 34 year old Vinny Perth.

Williams is a player I know all about, as I've signed him a couple of times in previous careers. However, I've NEVER just put him straight in at the deep end and got him straight into any side, which is likely to happen here. Intrigued to see how it goes with him.

No fewer than 8 players have left the club, with the biggest earner being Lee Jarman, and of course Alan Thomas, who has gone to Ibrox. My reserves are now very thin, but it wouldn't surprise me if between the now and the league season starting I bring in a couple more, but for now I need to play some kind of friendly, especially with the Euro game right around the corner.

EDIT: A couple more signings have been made before the league campaign, their names have been added to the list.

WPL Haverfordwest 2-0 Prestatyn
Two headers settled this, one from Rene Howe and one from Swanson gave us the win. It came at a cost though, with two players twisting ankles. Inevitably, Lynch was one of them, which rules him out of the Europa League tie.

Europa League Play Off 1st Leg Deportivo La Coruna 2-0 Haverfordwest
I was quite proud to only lose by two here. Still, that's us as good as out I would think.

WPL Airbus 1-1 Haverfordwest
A tired performance after the European game, but Rene Howe grabbed a leveller 10 minutes from time.

Europa League Play Off 2nd Leg Haverfordwest 1-1 Deportivo La Coruna
A brilliant performance, and James Ashmore's equaliser gave us something to celebrate.

WPL Llanelli 1-2 Haverfordwest
Another really tired performance, but an OG and Derrick Williams' first goal for the club gave us the points.

WPL Haverfordwest 3-0 Carmarthen
After an awful first half and a missed Carmarthen penalty, I tore into them at half time. They responded really well, with a Hopkinson double and a beauty from Lynch giving us another win.

WPL Goytre 0-3 Haverfordwest
Laurence Gaughan, Rene Howe and Louis Swanson gave us another good win against the newly promoted side.

Welsh Cup Afan Lido 1-2 Haverfordwest
Didn't play well at all, but goals from Gaughan and Howe just about see us through.

Loosemore League Cup Semi Final 1st Leg: Haverfordwest 1-0 Prestatyn
Not much in the first leg, but an Alan Lynch goal right on half time gives us a very slim lead in the tie.

Loosemore League Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg: Prestatyn 3-2 Haverfordwest (aet 3-3 on aggregate, 3-2 after penalties)
Raging isn't the word. Started the game brilliantly, racing into a 2 goal lead after 10 minutes through James Ashmore and Rene Howe. Got to half time with the same scoreline, and then the second half was a disgraceful show of complacency. When it went to extra time, there was only going to be one winner, and I was surprised we even got to penalties. So that's one trophy we won't be defending this year, then!

WPL Prestatyn 1-1 Haverfordwest
A better performance after the cup tie, but still pretty mediocre. Rene Howe again with our goal.

WPL Haverfordwest 2-0 Airbus
A much better performance at home, with James Ashmore and Rene Howe grabbing the goals.

It's been a decent start to the season, and the extra strength in depth from my summer signings has really made a difference. With just the one defeat in my opening 18 games, I've opened up a pretty decent lead at the top of the table, and my home form has been imperious. (I'm yet to concede a goal, let alone drop points!) However, I'm still a little short in midfield, but I'll try and wait until the summer when a couple of contracts expire.

I was delighted with my little European adventure which is undoubtedly my season highlight so far, but getting knocked out of the League Cup was a real disappointment. Even so, the league is the main thing, and that's looking pretty healthy so far:

Financially things are looking pretty good, with plenty of money in the bank from the European games. However, no matter how many times I ask I'm no closer to upgrading any of my facilities. Maybe if I can make a bit from Europe next year and a little extra sponsorship that will change. However, they have at least agreed to relay the pitch, which is a start.

And just for the record, crowds are gradually climbing too, although not by much. Last year's final average was 338, while it's 357 this season. An increase is an increase!

WPL Neath 2-3 Haverfordwest
Very nearly threw this away. Raced into an early 2 goal lead thanks to Rooney and Hughes, only for Neath to level with two quick goals after half time. However, top scorer Rene Howe won it right at the end, drilling home from 12 yards. He will miss the next 6 weeks of the season after twisting an ankle, though.

WPL Haverfordwest 2-0 Bangor City
A goal apiece from Hopkinson and Lynch keeps up that home record.

WPL Carmarthen 2-3 Haverfordwest
Always nice to beat your local rivals, but this should have been a cricket score. Led 3-0 after an own goal, a Hopkinson header and Alan Lynch's tap in, yet very nearly threw it away again. Still, a win is a win.

WPL Haverfordwest 4-0 Goytre
Ashmore, Lynch and a Hopkinson double see us to another win against the league's bottom side.

Welsh Cup: TNS 1-5 Haverfordwest
Revenge is sweet. After getting beaten by TNS in last year's semi, I was desperate to win this. A brilliant performance saw us romp to victory, with goals from Lynch, Ashmore, Reilly and a Hopkinson double. A knock to Laurence Gaughan is a bit of a concern though.

WPL Haverfordwest 2-1 Bangor City
A pair of Nathan Rooney goals set up the win, although we did concede our first goal at home in the league.

WPL Llanelli 2-1 Haverfordwest
Just not good enough against the side who are our closest challengers. We were 2 down before we even started, but when the chances came we couldn't take them. Reilly and Hopkinson both had their worst performances in a Haverfordwest shirt (5.4 and 5.6 respectively) so I'm looking to change things for the next game. Rooney scored our only goal.

WPL Haverfordwest 1-1 Port Talbot
More dropped points, which is frustrating. Hopkinson with our goal, but that lead at the top is getting much slimmer.

WPL TNS 1-1 Haverfordwest
The poor form in the league continues, and we were only rescued by a ridiculous own goal. Getting quite nervous now...

WPL Haverfordwest 2-0 Aberystwyth
Two Nathan Rooney rockets won this one, and a much needed win that it was too.

WPL Bangor City 1-1 Haverfordwest
More points dropped, although at least Laurence Gaughan rescued a draw with an injury time bullet header. We now haven't won away from home in the league for two months.

Interesting choice of venue for the game. The stadium is the home of Llanelli's rugby club, so maybe not quite so neutral a venue!

WPL Haverfordwest 0-0 TNS
I'm really getting sick of my team not putting sides away. Again we missed a hatful of chances, and the title race is down to the wire. To make matters worse, we lost Matty Hughes to a red card. We now lead Llanelli by 2 points, with two games to play.

And so it comes down to this. An 11 point lead blown, and Llanelli have whittled down my lead to have their fate in their own hands, knowing that a victory will take them to the top of the table. They are unbeaten since December, when they lost the last time they played at Bridge Meadow, so they are in exceptional form. Here's the table before kick off:

However, we haven't lost at home all season, and in 8 meetings between the two clubs since I've been at the club, we have won 6 of them. This is a close as it gets to a cup final, hence this update. I'll be back soon with the result!

Not won the double yet...just the title, but cheers. I went through the wringer though in that game. 2-0 up to 2-2, only to win it late on. Rene Howe became one of my all time favourite FM players in that moment!

Having just pipped Llanelli to the title, the two best sides in Welsh football will go head to head to decide the Cup. Thankfully, after securing the title I was able to rest pretty much my entire first 11 for the last league game, giving them a chance for some much needed rest. My side will be largely at full strength, although Matty Collins is missing from midfield. That injury has made my choice of system for me, and so much like last year I'll play 4-3-3 in a cup final and just go for it. However, I'm expecting fireworks.

First half

We've had total control in the first half, yet we've not been able to break the dead lock. The closest we've come so far is Nathan Rooney hitting the post from 30 yards, but we've largely snuffed Llanelli out. Now we just need to take a chance.

Haverfordwest 0-0 Llanelli

Second half

The second half started quickly, and 9 minutes in, Rene Howe's shot was deflected in by Llanelli defender Graham Hockless to put us in front. That was how it stayed until we switched off from a free kick, and Dean Lisles smashed home a leveller. That was how it finished, and off to extra time we go.

Haverfordwest 1-1 Llanelli

Extra time

Extra time was a tired affair, with only one chance each. Alan Lynch's 35 yard effort cannoned back off the cross bar for us, although Llanelli managed to miss an open goal! To penalties it goes.

Well, it's been another brilliant season, and by the skin of our teeth we've grabbed two more trophies. Retaining the league looked on all season, but a slight slip and the immense form of Llanelli kept the title alive, and I think just how close we were was really emphasised by the cup final going to pens. Still, absolutely delighted. I've been really happy with a most of the signings I've made, although Howe, Rooney, Williams and Hughes stood out. I do need to try and maintain some form for my front men though, as they all seemed to struggle at the same time. Howe's injury was a bit of a killer as he was in top form before that, and I'm pretty sure he can get 20 and more next time out. However, I do need to strengthen in the middle of the park in the summer.

Concerns

Well, other than throwing away a good lead in the league cup semi, I can't think of too many.

Ambitions

More of the same. Three in a row is the obvious target, although another cup would be a bonus too. Still think it's a little early for Europe, but if I get a favourable draw, who knows?

So the new season approaches and the hang-over from last year's double is wearing off. Now the hard work starts all over again as we look to secure the championship for a third time, and maybe add a cup along the way. Much like last season, I'm looking for evolution in the squad, not revolution, so no major changes planned. First then, the budget:

As you can see it's a fairly healthy increase from last season, and money to spend too! However, I'm not convinced the board have got that quite right, especially as they've both relaid the pitch AND announced plans for a brand new youth academy. The sensible option then was to look to the Bosman market, not that I'm convinced the club's reputation is ready to attract the kind of names transfer fees dictate, so it's probably for the best. There are a couple of areas I was looking to strengthen, although midfield was my priority. Having said that, I also had to target a couple of other areas after two or three fringe players told me they'd had enough of warming the bench, not to mention the deliberate move to allow a pair of contracts to expire. For a change then, the players who left the club first:

My reserve keeper David Oldfield was also attracting a lot of interest, and so I decided the best plan was to make him available for loan. As a result though, my first new signing was a goal keeper as cover for Phil Imray. However, the player I'm most impressed with is this signing:

I also signed three more players to youth contracts, although I'm hoping the youth academy will allow me to bring my own players through rather than signing the necessary youngsters to meet the league criteria in the next few years. I'm particularly impressed with Nieta, who should offer genuine competition for my 4 strikers. Despite finding 2 strikers who my assistant manager suggested would do a better job than the 4 I have, I've decided I'll stick with my current options for one more year at least. I would expect the signing of Bridge-Wilkinson, who is a set-piece specialist, will add another 4 or 5 goals for all of them.

Unlike last year, I'm now happy with my squad and it's only July 15th, so I would be surprised if I decide to make any other signings (with the possible exception of a left back.) I will add them to the list though if necessary.

The retirement of Vinny Perth has ensured I need to appoint a new captain, and so I've taken the easy route of promoting vice-captain David Cowan to the role. Young midfielder Nathan Rooney will step up to the VC role, and both have gone down well within the squad.

Haverfordwest 4-1 Sheriff
Wow, another brilliant home performance. Despite falling behind early on to their rapid striker Vladimir Gohring, we ran riot. Goals from Hopkinson, Bridge-Wilkinson, Reilly and an OG put us in a strong position for the second leg. Fingers crossed.

CL 2nd Qualifying round 2nd leg

Sheriff 3-1 Haverfordwest
An atrocious second leg display, but we made it by the skin of our teeth. Tim Hopkinson's away goal was ultimately decisive, but defensively we had an absolute shocker.

CL 3rd Qualifying round 1st leg
Rapid Wien 2-2 Haverfordwest
What a game this was! Nathan Rooney gave us a shock lead in the first half, drilling home from 18 yards after great work from Hopkinson. Heavy pressure from the home side told though, and in the 78th minute they grabbed a scrappy equaliser, only for James Ashmore to fire in a "Roy of the Rovers" style rocket. However, they then grabbed another scrappy equaliser 7 minutes into 4 minutes worth of added on time. Gutted.

CL 3rd Qualifying round 2nd legHaverfordwest 1-1 Rapid Wien
Talk about nerves! We came into this game without a recognised left back following knocks to both Murphy and Williams, and it was a mistake from Matty Collins who was playing there that cost us the opener after 10 minutes. Nevertheless, we hung on in there, and after going all out attack in the final 20 minutes, Tim Hopkinson's 81st equaliser was enough to take us through.

Wow, tight as anything. Aalesund should be managable, not a big side in Norway.

Yeah, I have to say I was fearing the worst so I was quite pleased. It's just a shame the first leg is at home. However, whatever happens now I'll be playing European football this season, which is brilliant.

Not a fan, then? Must say after seeing his £400 a week wages, I'm not a fan either!

exactly. His wages alone are reason enough. Every time I start a run with Haverfordwest I always try and move him and it never works. He just ends up sitting on the bench all year in favour of players making 5% of his wages.

Nice work so far. Sad part about playing in Wales is that its easy to dominate the league and then all that matters is the champions league, however if you don't win there then you'll never generate funds to improve. Also, it becomes boring during the league season.

WPL Haverfordwest 4-2 Bala
A brace from Tim Hopkinson, a powerful Laurence Gaughan header and a Martin Reilly tap in ensure a victory in our first league game.

Champions League Play off first legHaverfordwest 2-1 Aalesund
Despite falling behind to an Erik Skosgrud header, we responded really well. Martin Reilly levelled the match up by turning in from close range, before another James Ashmore screamer put us in front. We'll need to score in the second leg, but I'm getting very excited!

WPL Aberystwyth 0-1 Haverfordwest
Finally got a win at the home of our rivals, but it was tight. Tim Hopkinson scored the game's only goal 4 minutes from time.

Champions League Play off second leg
Aalesund 1-4 Haverfordwest
A dream of a performance! Within 30 seconds, the away goal was cancelled out by Laurence Gaughan's header, before Marc Bridge-Wilkinson thundered in a free kick from 35 yards. After an hour, Martin Reilly grabbed a third and killed the tie, blasting in from 18 yards before we conceded from a corner. However, the icing on the cake came two minutes from time when Ruaidhri Higgins smashed in his first goal for the club. We're in the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!

CL Group CHaverfordwest 1-4 Benfica
Our first CL goal scored by Higgins...although our 27 month unbeaten home record has gone at last.

WPL Haverfordwest 3-1 Prestatyn
Despite losing Alan Lynch to an 18th minute red card, we just about ground out the win. We fell behind just before half time before Martin Reilly responded straight after the break, and from then on we were very much on top. A late free kick from Danny Murphy got us the lead, his first goal for the club in his 95th appearance, before Rene Howe ended his fifteen hour goal drought in stoppage time.

Loosemore League Cup first roundHaverfordwest 0-0 Aberystwyth (aet, 4-2 on penalties)
Pretty poor performance, but worst of all was a pair of injuries to James Ashmore and Matty Hughes, which will see both out for about 6 weeks. Still, we got through in the end.

WPL Port Talbot 0-3 Haverfordwest
Another solid win, inspired largely by Bridge-Wilkinson. He scored a rocket early on before Laurence Gaughan nodded in his free kick. That was the way things stayed til stoppage time when Martin Reilly nodded home from close range.

CL Group C
Marseille 4-0 Haverfordwest
Well, we only conceded half as many as our last away trip...

WPL Llanelli 1-0 Haverfordwest
Had to make lots of changes for this one, and in the end we were a bit of a mess. A deserved Llanelli winner after an hour, although I got myself a touchline ban in my press conference. Brilliant.

Loosemore League Cup
Airbus 2-3 Haverfordwest (aet)
Well this one was tough, and as I was serving my touchline ban it was almost impossible to watch! We fell 2 behind early on, although before half time Rene Howe got us back into it. It took until injury time to grab the leveller though, when Alan Lynch thumped in from 20 yards, and Lynch himself won it in extra time.

Yeah, it's fair to say I was expecting very little from my European adventure, but it's been a bit of a lesson so far. Still, hopefully with the club going full time next year I'll be add a few better players in the summer.

WPL Airbus 3-4 Haverfordwest
A mental game, with three goals conceded from corners () Luckily though we had just enough thanks to a Rene Howe brace, James Ashmore's thunderbolt and youngster Jarrett Rivers' first league goal.

WPL Haverfordwest 1-0 Neath
Tim Hopkinson with the game's only goal, although I'm seriously considering freshening my striking options up in the summer. This was a huge win though as it opened up a lead at the top the first time in months.

WPL Bangor City 0-3 Haverfordwest
Another great league win, with Bridge-Wilkinson, Rooney and Rivers on the score sheet.

WPL Haverfordwest 2-2 TNS
Another one of those games, and another one where I need the option of punching players at full time! Once again we fell behind, but Reilly and Jones had us cruising in the second half. However, we missed so many chances which ultimately cost us: yet another header from a corner in the 97th minute. I really need to strengthen up front as we should have been out of sight.

WPL Haverfordwest 6-2 Llanelli
Much, much better. 2 goals each from Jones and Lynch, with a goal apiece from Hughes and Hopkinson set up a great win against our rivals.

WPL Prestatyn 0-5 Haverfordwest
A great way to end the year, this was a thumping win. Goals from Hopkinson, Bridge Wilkinson, Reilly, Jones and Mitchell ensured we ended 2012 on a high.

Another interesting season then, although the European adventure was a little bit rough on the players. Whilst I didn't expect to take a point, conceding a massive thirty one goals was a bit of an eye-opener, so certainly something I'll need to address. As for the league, we've been a little bit inconsistent so far, largely down to poor morale following on from European games, so for next year I'll need to look at a few serious additions to the squad, and turning professional might help attract a few better players. I've already decided the first change, and that's to replace the infuriating Rene Howe who I've already made available. I do think I'll need to a make a few more difficult decisions too, but for now, I'll stick with what I have unless I find the perfect signing.

Pretty tight between us and Neath, so I'm in for an interesting end to the season.

I'm delighted to be in another league cup final this year too, and I've got my fingers crossed in the other cup. However, the best news so far is off the field, where the board have at last agreed to build better training and youth facilities. That way I might finally be able to bring through a couple of my own players, too.